Questions: When you describe someone, you typically detail the virtues they exhibit which are aligned to their character. Describe four personal virtues you believe you possess, one from each domain: civic, moral, performance, and intellectual. Discuss how each of your four virtues will help you in creating an inclusive classroom. Identify the virtues you believe are most critical in your role as an educator. How do these virtues align with the concept of imago Dei recognizing the inherent worth, dignity, and potential in every student. What does character formation mean to you? (Ensure one of your scholarly resources supports your response.) Explain 2-3 strategies you will use to foster character formation in the classroom. Discuss how you will integrate these strategies naturally into your curriculum and classroom environment. What are some specific research and readings, tools, resources, or training you might use to further your own character development as an educator?

To address the first three questions:

1. Describe four personal virtues you believe you possess, one from each domain: civic, moral, performance, and intellectual. Discuss how each of your four virtues will help you in creating an inclusive classroom.

   • Civic Virtue: Empathy - Empathy allows me to understand and share the feelings of others, which is crucial in creating an inclusive classroom. By empathizing with students, I can better appreciate their diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a supportive and understanding environment where all students feel valued and heard.

   • Moral Virtue: Integrity - Integrity involves being honest and having strong moral principles. In the classroom, this virtue helps me build trust with students, as they know I will be fair and consistent in my actions and decisions. This trust is essential for creating a safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks in their learning.

   • Performance Virtue: Perseverance - Perseverance is the ability to persist in the face of challenges. This virtue is vital in an inclusive classroom as it encourages me to continually seek out and implement strategies that support all students, especially those who may struggle. It also models resilience for students, showing them the importance of effort and determination.

   • Intellectual Virtue: Curiosity - Curiosity drives me to continually learn and explore new ideas, which is essential for fostering an inclusive classroom. By staying curious, I can discover innovative teaching methods and resources that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that all students have access to engaging and relevant educational experiences.

2. Identify the virtues you believe are most critical in your role as an educator. How do these virtues align with the concept of imago Dei recognizing the inherent worth, dignity, and potential in every student?

   The virtues of empathy and integrity are most critical in my role as an educator. Empathy allows me to connect with students on a personal level, recognizing their unique needs and potential. Integrity ensures that I treat each student with fairness and respect, upholding their dignity. These virtues align with the concept of imago Dei, which emphasizes the inherent worth and potential of every individual. By embodying these virtues, I can create a classroom environment that honors and nurtures each student's unique contributions and abilities.

3. What does character formation mean to you? (Ensure one of your scholarly resources supports your response.)

   Character formation refers to the process of developing moral and ethical qualities that guide an individual's behavior and decision-making. It involves cultivating virtues such as honesty, empathy, and responsibility, which are essential for personal growth and social harmony. According to Lickona (1991), character education is about helping students understand, care about, and act upon core ethical values. This process is integral to education, as it prepares students to be responsible and compassionate members of society.

   Reference: Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility. Bantam Books.

These responses address the first three questions, focusing on personal virtues, their role in education, and the concept of character formation.